Coma increases Dakar lead

From KTM Racing

Victory on the fourth stage of Dakar 2009 went once again to Marc Coma (KTM) 1:17 ahead of Cyril Despres (KTM) with American Jonah Street (KTM) third (at 1:21).

Overall Coma increases his lead to 42:57 ahead of new second place man Street with David Fretigne (Yamaha) third (at 43:42). Jordi Viladoms (KTM) is fourth (at 55:57) with Despres moving up to 11th (at 1:37:07).

"After three very fast days the race changed pace today with the terrain being more varied and technical," Coma said. "We still haven't seen any dunes yet but the tracks were sandy and a pleasure to ride. My goal today was just to ride at a steady pace and maintain my lead. I opted to use a mousse but Jordi was right behind me with a tube so it wasn't too much stress."

Provisional 4th stage results
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM
2. Cyril Despres, France, KTM
3. Jonah Street, US, KTM
4. David Fretigne, France, Yamaha
5. Francisco Lopez, Chile, KTM

Provisional overall standings
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM
2. Jonah Street, US, KTM
3. David Fretigne, France, Yamaha
4. Jordi Viladoms, Spain, KTM
5. Pal Anders Ullevalseter, Norway, KTM